University of ColoradoDenver
School of Public Affairs
CJ 2110 and CJ 5430
Drugs, Alcohol, and Crime
Term: Summer 2008Professor: Dr. Deanna M. Pérez
Course Days/Time: T & Th 2:00-4:45 p.m.Office: CU Building, Suite 500P
Classroom: IT Room, CU BuildingPhone: (303) 315-2292
Office Hours: Th 12:00-1:30 or by AppointmentEmail:
Course Description
One can hardly speak of drugs in our society without addressing the massive role of the criminal justice system.From the War on Drugs to federal and state drug sentencing policies which have contributed to the "incarceration binge" to drug courts and treatment for drug offenders, drugs impact every stage of the system. This class examines the relationship between drugs, including alcohol, and the criminal justice system. It is designed to stimulate and encourage creative, innovative thinking about drugs and the role they play in crime and criminal justice by providing realistic images of abstract concepts. Students will be expected to analyze and discuss issues of drugs and the criminal justice system from different perspectives that reflect critical and independent thinking. The course aims to stimulate an exchange of ideas and encourage students to debate the issues of a controversial topic with the instructor and other students in an open, non-judgmental environment.
Course Objective
- Identify substances of abuse and their effects on the individual and the larger environment
- Awareness of the drug use continuum and the extent of drug use
- Explore the link between criminality and drugs
- Provide an accurate depiction of the realities of addiction, how and why crime fits with addiction, and living in and recovering from addiction
- Examine what works in treatment to reduce drug use and recidivism
- Knowledge of drug control policies and strategies
- Have fun and enjoy learning!
Required Text and Reading Materials
Required Readings
Inciardi, James A. & McElrath, Karen. (2007). The American Drug Scene: An Anthology (5th Edition).
Terry, Charles M. (2003). The Fellas: Overcoming Prison and Addiction.
Additional Readings
Additional readings are listed in the course schedule. I will distribute the handouts listed in the reading schedule in class in advance or via email, and/or provide a link to the website on the schedule so that students can download the required reading. It is imperative that when these readings are assigned, you read them prior to the scheduled class meetings, as they will form the basis of discussion topics. I reserve the right to modify the reading assignments according to the direction class discussions take and the interest level in particular issues.
Communication Policy
In addition to announcements and written handouts distributed in class, I may need to contact you between classes, which I will do through individual and group email messages. One of the requirements for this course is that you maintain a University of Colorado Denver email address, check it regularly for messages, be sure it is working, and let me know if you change your email address. You are responsible for any messages, including assignments and schedule changes, I send you via email. You also may contact me via email, in addition to seeing me during office hours. To email me with questions about class use your UCD email account and always put “Drugs & Crime” in the subject line of your message. If you wish to meet with me but are unable to do so during the posted office hours, contact me to set up an appointment.
Evaluation
Your final grade will be based on the following distribution:
Attendance & Participation 5%
Paper #115%
Paper #2 15%
Final Exam25%
Final Report 40%
Assignments
All written assignments must be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point font with 1” margins all around. The two papers should be 4-5 pages in length. Papers are due at the beginning of class. I will deduct 10 points per week for papers turned in after the due date; therefore, do not turn in your papers late.
Paper #1:
Write an opinion paper of a drug-related movie. The paper should include a brief summary of the movie. The primary focus of the paper should be on the impact of the movie on your perceptions about drugs and alcohol, what thoughts were provoked, whether you agreed or opposed the views presented, and how your views changed or remained the same as a result of watching the movie. Students are encouraged to view the movie with other persons in class to stimulate discussion; however, the paper is to be written by you alone and based on your own opinions. If you do watch the movie with others, do consider writing on any lively discussions that arose.
Below is a list of suitable movies; however, if there is a movie related to the topic that does not appear on the list that you would like to report on, speak with me. The primary theme of the movie should be about drugs and/or alcohol – appropriate subject matter includes, but is not limited to, addiction, the effect of use/abuse on the individual and/or family, recovery, drug dealing, drug enforcement. Documentaries are acceptable. Movies watched in class are excluded.
Alcohol and or Drug-Related Topical Movies:
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Narc
Drugstore Cowboy
28 Days
When a Man Loves a Woman
Leaving Las Vegas
Clean and Sober
Drunks
Rush
My name is Bill W.
Georgia
Affliction
Barfly
Days of Wine and Roses
Blow
The Basketball Diaries
Trainspotting
Requiem for a Dream
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Paper #2:
Attend a 12-Step open meeting of AA or NA. Write a paper on your experience. PLEASE NOTE: These are anonymous programs so do not divulge anything heard in the meeting to anyone outside of the meeting. In writing your paper, you should focus on your feelings and emotions while hearing others share, if you did or did not relate to those who shared and why, and your impressions of 12-step groups now versus your preconceptions. Discuss whether you believe the approach is effective for alcoholics and addicts. This is an opinion paper. Be honest! In an effort to provide context but also maintain anonymity, give a broad overview of the topic and discussion(s) for the meeting you attended rather than details of individual stories. You can find a directory of local AA and NA meetings on the web at
Final Exam:
The final exam will be cumulative and will consist of short answer and essay questions. The exam will be based on reading assignments, class lectures and discussions, and guest lectures.
Final Report:
Select a topic (approved by me) within the scope of drugs and/or alcohol and the criminal justice system. The research topic is due on June 19 at the beginning of class. You are to write a thorough review of the extant literature, the policy implications that arise from this review, and conclusion(s), including future research directions. Your report should be approximately 10-15 pages in length. Cite a minimum of 10 scholarly articles. The articles referenced must be empirical studies, not review essays. You must reference literature from academic journals, not the popular press. Use the APA citation format. The assignment requires that you assess the body of literature on the topic and draw an objective conclusion; therefore, base your conclusion(s) on the evidence, not your opinion! In presenting new research directions, the focus should be on identifying what questions remain.
Attendance
Class attendance is required. Students are expected to have read all of the assignments prior to class and be prepared to participate in class discussions. Participation in class discussions is expected and will contribute to your grade. You cannot participate if you are not present! I will take roll every week. If you must be absent, let me know in advance why you will be out and provide documented evidence for your absence. If it is an emergency, let me know as soon as possible after the missed class.
Academic Integrity
The principles of truth and integrity are recognized as fundamental to a community of teachers and scholars. The University expects that both faculty and students will honor these principles and in so doing will protect the integrity of all academic work and student grades. Students are expected to do all work assigned to them without unauthorized assistance and without giving unauthorized assistance. There are certain forms of conduct that violate the university’s policy of academic integrity. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (i.e., cheating) is a broad category of actions that use fraud and deception to improve a grade or obtain course credit. Cheating will not be tolerated and may lead to failure on an assignment, in the class, and dismissal from the University. You are responsible for observing campus policies regarding academic honesty as stated in the Disciplinary Code of the University’s Student Code of Conduct, which can be accessed at the following link:
Class Conduct
Students should exhibit respect for the views of others, the professionalism of the instructor, and the goals of academic freedom. The University expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly and cooperative manner. Disruptive and discourteous behaviors include (but are not limited to): arriving to class more than 10 minutes late, talking with a classmate while others are talking (including the professor), wearing headphones/listening to music, leaving class to answer a cell phone, surfing the web on a laptop, reading or working on materials other than those specifically dealing with the class. Students are asked to turn off cell phones and beepers during class. Disruptive behavior on the part of the student can result in dismissal from the classroom and filing of charges under the University’s Rules and Procedures. The Instructor has the sole discretion to determine if a student’s behavior is sufficiently disruptive to warrant dismissal from class.
Access, Disability, Communication
The University of Colorado Denver is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and access to programs and services to persons with disabilities. Students with disabilities who want academic accommodations must register with Disability Resources and Services (DRS), 177 ArtsBuilding, 303-556-3450, TTY 303-556-4766, FAX 303-556-2074. After you obtain approval from DRS, please provide me with a copy of their letter so that I can provide approved accommodations.
Important Dates
6/12Library Instruction Day: Everyone must Attend!
6/17Paper #1 Due in Class
6/19Final Report Topic & Reference List Due in Class
7/8Paper #2 Due in Class
7/17Final Exam – In Class
7/22 & 7/24Library Days: No Class
7/25Final Reports Due BY 5 PM
Class Schedule and Reading Assignments
DateTopic
6/3Introductions and Overview
6/5Drugs of Abuse
Inciardi and McElrath:
7.“A Brief History of Alcohol,”Harvey A. Siegal and James A. Inciardi
11. “Marijuana: Assassin of Youth,”Harry J. Anslinger and Courtney Ryley Cooper
14. “The Power of 420,” Karen B. Halnon
15. “‘Dope Fiend’ Mythology,” Alfred R. Lindesmith
16. “Oxycontin: Miracle Medicine or Problem Drug?”James A. Inciardi and Jennifer L. Goode
20.“America's First Cocaine Epidemic,”David F. Musto
24. “History and Epidemiology of Amphetamine Abuse in the United States,” Marissa A. Miller
During this session, we will discuss the requirements for the final report including the elements of a research paper.
6/10Substance Use vs. Abuse/Dependence
Trends in Substance Use/Abuse
Handouts:
Hasin et al. 1997. Differentiating DSM-IV alcohol dependence and abuse by course: Community heavy drinkers. Journal of Substance Abuse, 9, 127-135.
Inciardi and McElrath:
9. “Drinking Like a Guy: Frequent Binge Drinking Among Undergraduate Women,” Amy M. Young, Michele Morales, Sean Esteban McCabe, Carol J. Boyd, and Hannah D'Arcy
17.“The OxyContin Epidemic and Crime Panic in Rural Kentucky,”Kenneth D. Tunnell
22. An Ethno-epidemiological Model for the Study of Trends in Illicit Drug Use: Reflections on the ‘Emergence’ of Crack Injection,”Michael C. Clatts, Dorinda L. Welle, Lloyd A. Goldsamt, and Stephen E. Lankenau
26.“‘The Ice Age’: The Social Construction of a Drug Panic,”Philip Jenkins
27.“Post-Circuit Blues: Motivations and Consequences of Crystal Meth Use Among Gay Men in Miami,”Steven P. Kurtz
28.“Rise of Hallucinogen Use,”Dana Hunt
6/12Library Instruction on Literature Review
Please meet your instructor in the EnhancedLearningCenter which is located in the southwest corner of the Auraria Library on the first floor. This is a MANDATORY class! If you are absent, points will be deducted from your final report.
6/17Theories of Drug Addiction
Handouts:
Fishbein, D. 2000. Neuropsychological function, drug abuse, and violence. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 27, 139-159.
Schroeder et al. 2007. Drug use and desistance processes. Criminology, 45, 191-222.
Walitzer, K. S. & Dearing, R. L. 2006. Gender differences in alcohol and substance use relapse. Clinical Psychology Review, 26, 128-148.
Inciardi and McElrath:
3.“The Use of Marijuana for Pleasure: A Replication of Howard S. Becker's Study of Marijuana Use,”Michael L. Hirsch, Randall W. Conforti, and Carolyn J. Graney
5.“Sociopharmacology of Drug Use: Initial Thoughts,”Samuel R. Friedman
8.“Gateway to Nowhere: How Alcohol Came to Be Scapegoated for Drug Abuse,” Stanton Peele and Archie Brodsky
23. “Refining Rock: Practical and Social Features of Self-Control among a Group of College-Student Crack Users,” Curtis Jackson-Jacobs
PAPER #1 DUE ON 6/17
6/19The Drugs/Crime Nexus
Women, Drugs, & Crime
Handouts:
Pelissier et al. 2003. Gender differences in outcomes from prison-based residential treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 24, 149-160.
Scribner, R. S., MacKinnon, D. P., & Dwyer, J. H. 1995. The risk of assaultive violence and alcohol availability in Los AngelesCounty. American Journal of Public Health, 85, 335-340.
White, H. R. & Gorman, D. M. 2000. Dynamics of the Drug-Crime Relationship.
(also available online at
Inciardi & McElrath:
18.“Taking Care of Business-The Heroin Addict's Life on the Street,”Edward Preble and John J. Casey
32.“The Drugs-Crime Connection,”David N. Nurco, Timothy W. Kinlock, and Thomas E.Hanlon
33.“Sex Work and Drug Use in a Subculture of Violence,”Hilary L. Surratt, James A. Inciardi, Steven P. Kurtz, and Marion C. Kiley
34.“The Drugs/Violence Nexus: A Tripartite Conceptual Framework,”Paul J. Goldstein
35.“Women in the Street-Level Drug Economy: Continuity or Change?,”Lisa Maher and Kathleen Daly
FINAL REPORT TOPIC & LIST OF REFERENCES DUE ON 6/19
6/24Special Topic: “Date Rape” Drugs and Victimization
Handouts:
Kilpatrick et al. 2007. Drug-facilitated, incapacitated, and forcible rape: A national study. Charleston, SC: Medical University of South Carolina, NationalCrimeVictimsResearch & TreatmentCenter.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Angela Gover, Associate Professor, UC Denver School of Public Affairs
6/26The Addict in Prison
The Fellas: Overcoming Prison and Addiction
For this assignment, each student should write 5 questions that arose from their reading of the book
7/1Drug Treatment: Addiction, Research and Treatment Services (ARTS)
Readings: TBA
Guest Speaker: Tom Brewster, Executive Director, ARTS, UC Denver School of Medicine
7/3Substance Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Clients
Gender-Specific Treatment
Self-Help Programs
Handouts:
NIDA. 2006. Principles of drug abuse treatment for criminal justice populations: A research-based guide. Rockville, MD: National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Ashley et al. 2003. Effectiveness of substance abuse treatment programming for women: A review.American Journal of Drug & Alcohol Abuse, 29, 19-53.
Chen, G. 2006. Social support, spiritual program, and addiction recovery. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 50, 306-323.
Welsh, W. N. 2007. A multisite evaluation of prison-based therapeutic community drug treatment. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 34, 1481-1498.
Inciardi & McElrath:
36.“Gender-Specific Issues in the Treatment of Drug-Involved Women,”Hilary L. Surratt
37.“Advances in Therapeutic Communities,”National Institute on Drug Abuse
38.“Methadone Maintenance: A Theoretical Perspective,”Vincent P. Dole and Marie Nyswander
PAPER #2 DUE ON 7/8
7/10Drug Courts
Handouts:
Gottfredson, D. C., Najaka, S. S., & Kearly, B. 2003. Effectiveness of drug treatment courts. Evidence from a randomized trial. Criminology, 2, 171-196.
Gebelein, R. S. 2000. The rebirth of rehabilitation: Promise and perils of drug courts. National Institute of Justice. (also available online at
Hepburn, J. R. & Harvey, A. N. 2007. The effect of the threat of legal sanction on program retention and completion: Is that why they stay in drug court? Crime & Delinquency, 53, 255-280.
Guest Speaker: Marcy Becker, Probation Supervisor, 20th Judicial District Probation Department
7/15U.S.Drug Policy
The “War on Drugs” and Consequences
Alternative Drug Policies: Decriminalization & Legalization
Inciardi & McElrath:
6.“The Social Impact of Drugs and the War on Drugs: The Social Construction of Drug Scares,”Craig Reinarman
12.“Medical Marihuana in a Time of Prohibition,”Lester Grinspoon
21.“African Americans, Crack, and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines,”James A. Inciardi, Hilary L. Surratt, and Steven P. Kurtz
31.“Healthy Nightclubs and Recreational Substance Use: From a Harm Minimisation to a Healthy Settings Approach,”Mark A. Bellis, Karen Hughes, and Helen Lowey
41.“Commonsense Drug Policy,” Ethan A. Nadelmann
42.“Why Can’t We Make Prohibition Work Better? Some Consequences of Ignoring the Unattractive,” Peter Reuter
43.“Clinical and Societal Implications of Drug Legalization,”Herbert D. Kleber and James A. Inciardi
44.“Safer Injection Facilities in North America: Their Place in Public Policy and Health Initiatives,”Robert S. Broadhead, Thomas H. Kerr, Jean-Paul C. Grund, and Frederick L. Altice
7/17FINAL EXAM
7/22 & 7/24Library Day
Class will not be held on this day so that you can spend time working on your final report.
FINAL REPORTS DUE BY 5 PM ON 7/25
Please turn your final report into the School of Public Affairsfront office (Suite 500) by 5 pm. They will stamp the date and time on the paper so be sure you turn it in on time.
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